All of It – Episode: Sam Cooke's Daughter Carla Cooke Keeps His Music Alive

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Carla Cook
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Air Time: Weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Carla Cook, the daughter of the legendary musician and civil rights activist Sam Cooke. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of her father's passing, Carla delves into her journey of preserving his enduring legacy through music. The episode seamlessly blends live performances with an insightful interview, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Carla's life and her deep connection to her father's artistry.

Live Performance: "Cupid" [00:29 – 02:32]

The episode opens with Carla performing a soulful rendition of Sam Cooke's classic hit "Cupid." Her smooth vocals breathe new life into the beloved song, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone for the conversation ahead.

Notable Lyrics:

"Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go straight to my lover's heart for me."
[01:12]

Interview with Carla Cook

Early Memories and Discovering Her Father's Fame [05:20 – 06:08]

Alison Stewart initiates the conversation by reminiscing about Carla's first encounter with "Cupid."

Carla Cook: "Ooh, Cupid. In my bedroom listening to a cassette tape."
[05:20]

Carla shares how, growing up unaware of her father's fame—owing to his untimely passing when she was just four months old—she gradually became aware of his global impact.

Carla Cook: "I didn't realize that till later on in life that he was as famous as he was all over the world."
[06:08]

Maintaining Sam Cooke's Legacy [05:31 – 07:03]

Despite her father's early death, Carla has passionately dedicated her life to honoring his memory through music. She tours extensively, sharing her unique interpretations of Sam Cooke's songs, thereby connecting diverse audiences to his timeless work.

Carla Cook: "I'm continuing to keep his memory alive by going out to each venue, city by city and performing in front of the audience and just giving them my version of how my father comes through me for my father's music."
[05:38]

She also touches on the personal acknowledgment she receives from fans, highlighting the universal love and respect for Sam Cooke.

Carla Cook: "Everyone would come up to me knowing, you're his daughter. ... It was just amazing to find out how much he is loved by so many people around the world."
[06:44]

Balancing Family and Music [06:44 – 07:34]

Carla reveals her bustling personal life, being a mother to seven children and grandmother to ten. Despite her demanding family responsibilities, her passion for music remains unwavering.

Carla Cook: "I've been singing all my life in church... I prayed to God, and I was like, you know, God, it's my turn now. It's time for me to do what I truly love to do."
[07:06]

She recounts receiving a pivotal phone call that launched her touring career, solidifying her role as a torchbearer for her father's musical heritage.

Influence of Gospel Music [07:34 – 08:08]

Growing up in the church, Carla's foundation in gospel music profoundly shapes her singing style. She emphasizes the importance of harmonies and tonal nuances inherited from her father's music, which seamlessly blend with her renditions.

Carla Cook: "When my father sings, he still has that gospel feeling in his music. So, yeah, I think that's good."
[07:46]

Curating the Set List [08:08 – 09:15]

Choosing the right songs to honor Sam Cooke's extensive catalog is a meticulous process for Carla. She employs medleys to incorporate as many hits as possible, ensuring that both longtime fans and new listeners find something to cherish.

Carla Cook: "I'm trying to cram them in... Hoping that I won't miss nothing that someone wants to hear."
[08:42]

She also discusses her approach to arranging the songs, striving to maintain authenticity while infusing her personal touch.

Carla Cook: "I'm trying to be myself in the way that I interpret it."
[08:59]

Favorite Performances and Audience Interactions [09:15 – 10:32]

Among the many songs, "Sugar Dumpling" stands out as Carla's favorite to perform, blending jazz elements with storytelling.

Carla Cook: "It's jazzy and it's kind of fast, but it tells a story... I really love to do it."
[09:19]

She shares heartwarming anecdotes about fans sharing how Sam Cooke's music has been a backdrop to significant life moments like weddings, illustrating the profound impact of his work.

Carla Cook: "They really tell me stories how they felt like on some of his songs and where they were when they heard this song play."
[09:52]

Introducing the Band [10:36 – 10:56]

Carla proudly introduces her talented band members:

• Stefan Kuguruga on keys
• Stephen Bland on bass
• Kevin Presutti on saxophone

This ensemble plays a crucial role in bringing her musical vision to life.

Civil Rights and Musical Impact [13:36 – 14:43]

Alison Stewart connects Sam Cooke's iconic song "A Change is Gonna Come" to the broader civil rights movement, prompting Carla to reflect on her father's commitment to social justice through music.

Carla Cook: "He cared so much about civil rights and how people were treated... his way of giving back and producing a song that will last for a long time."
[14:04]

Engaging Younger Generations [14:43 – 15:33]

A touching interaction from Carla's website highlights the reach of Sam Cooke's legacy to younger audiences.

Carla Cook: "I'm so glad that my father not only resonates with the older people, but the younger people as well."
[15:08]

Carla's Own Musical Aspirations [16:08 – 16:56]

Looking forward, Carla shares her plans to release her own original music, blending gospel and R&B influences.

Carla Cook: "I have a lot of gospel songs that I've written and R and B... they say she's the daughter of Sam Cooke, so I gotta do it right."
[16:10]

Contemporary Artists Influenced by Sam Cooke [16:56 – 17:54]

When asked about modern musicians who carry forward Sam Cooke's legacy, Carla thoughtfully mentions artists like John Legend and Anderson .Paak, recognizing their profound vocal abilities and unique sounds that echo the soulful essence of her father’s music.

Carla Cook: "John Legend is a good one... Anderson .Paak... he's channeling Marvin Gaye."
[17:03 – 17:54]

Personal Musical Influences [17:54 – 18:44]

Carla reveals her diverse musical influences, ranging from Roberta Flack to Barbra Streisand, showcasing the breadth of her artistic inspirations.

Carla Cook: "My first concert ever, my all-time favorite, Barbra Streisand... We played him all the way down."
[18:05 – 18:18]

Final Performances and Closing Remarks [18:30 – 19:07]

Before concluding the interview, Carla previews additional performances slated for her show, including Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and Sam Cooke's "Twisting the Night Away."

Carla Cook: "We're gonna do a song that I always dedicate to my father, done by the late, great Whitney Houston, I will always love you."
[18:30]

Live Performance: "Twisting the Night Away" [18:49 – 21:46]

The episode culminates with Carla delivering an energetic performance of "Twisting the Night Away," infusing it with her signature style while honoring Sam Cooke's original spirit. Her vibrant rendition captures the joyous essence of the song, leaving listeners uplifted and connected to the rich musical tapestry her father created.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting Carla Cook's upcoming show at 54 Below, reiterating the importance of her role in keeping Sam Cooke's music relevant and cherished across generations. Carla's dedication, combined with her heartfelt performances, underscores the enduring power of music in cultural preservation and personal legacy.

Notable Quotes

• Carla Cook: "I'm trying to be myself in the way that I interpret it."
  [08:59]

• Carla Cook: "He cared so much about civil rights and how people were treated... his way of giving back and producing a song that will last for a long time."
  [14:04]

• Carla Cook: "I'm so glad that my father not only resonates with the older people, but the younger people as well."
  [15:08]

This comprehensive episode not only celebrates Sam Cooke's monumental contributions to music and civil rights but also illuminates Carla Cook's passionate commitment to her father's legacy. Through engaging storytelling and mesmerizing performances, All of It delivers an inspiring narrative of heritage, love, and the transformative power of music.